Covering the robust Austin music scene, the Live Music Capital of the World.

Music and family-friendly fun at Austin’s birthday bash, plus a benefit for a local guitar slinger and more.

OUR TOP PICKS

Friday-Saturday: Ian Moore’s 50th birthday celebration at Antone’s. A native Austinite who moved to the Northwest two decades ago, Moore has made a point to keep strong ties with his hometown. So it’s no surprise that he’s returning to mark a major-milestone birthday at the blues club that helped shape his musical identity as a youth. Moore’s own music has tended more toward rock than blues, especially his new EP “Toronto,” a six-song blast of energy and exuberance that highlights his guitar playing. Local blues guitar mainstay Eric Tessmer opens both nights. $20-$22. 9 p.m. 305 E. Fifth St. antonesnightclub.com. — P.B.

Saturday: Omar Apollo at Barracuda. The young singer-songwriter from Indiana was a wayward college dropout when he started releasing soulful bedroom pop on Soundcloud roughly a year ago. With Spanglish ballads that layer lovesick lyricism dripping with heart-on-sleeve sincerity over sunny meandering guitars, he rapidly started racking streams in the tens of thousands. He’s been remixing the songs for a larger release and this debut U.S. tour will probably be your last chance to catch him in such an intimate venue. $13-$15. Doors at 9 p.m. 611 E. Seventh St. barracudaaustin.com. — D.S.S.

Saturday: Austin’s Birthday Bash at Republic Square. Back in 1839, the first plots of land in Austin were auctioned under a group of oak trees in a space that would eventually become Republic Square. Celebrate our city’s 179th birthday and the grand re-opening of the park with an all-day, family-friendly bash that includes sets from Night Drive, Los Coast, Patricia Vonne, Chulita Vinyl Club and more. Free and open to the public. The party kicks off with the Farmer’s Market at 9 a.m. and runs to 10 p.m. 422 Guadalupe St. facebook.com/RepublicSquare. — D.S.S.

Sunday: Benefit for Omar Kent Dykes at Antone’s. Transplants from Hattiesburg, Miss., in the 1970s, Omar & the Howlers quickly became one of Austin’s liveliest and most successful blues-rock bands, releasing more than a dozen albums and touring internationally. Dykes, the band’s singer and guitar slinger and a distinctive, imposing frontman, hasn’t been able to play shows for more than a year because of a rare skin disease. Members of the Howlers will rally to help him on this Sunday afternoon, with guests including Marcia Ball, the LeRoi Brothers and Casper Rawls. $15-$20. 2 p.m. 305 E. Fifth St. antonesnightclub.com. — P.B.

ALSO PLAYING

Friday

Coheed & Cambria, Taking Back Sunday, Story So Far at Austin360 Amphitheater

Kabah, JNS at ACL Live

Jim Lauderdale at Threadgill’s North

Dave Koz & Friends at One World Theatre

Gorilla Vs Bear presents Sales, No Vacation at Mohawk outdoor

Kevin Galloway album release at Continental Club (also 5 p.m. at Waterloo Records)